Macronutrients and Their Functions Essay

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Macronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients needed by body in large quantities. They include proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (Berdanier et al, 2000). Their principle role is to provide energy, which is necessary for execution of body functions. Proteins provide energy and promote growth especially in young people and pregnant women. Other functions of proteins include tissue repair, production of hormones and enzymes, and maintenance of muscles and body mass. In addition, proteins are concerned with proper functioning of immune system (Berdanier et al, 2000). Carbohydrates play two major roles. First, they are the primary sources of energy for the body. Second, they provide calories needed for regulation of body weight (Berdanier et al, 2000). As such, consumption of carbohydrates in right amounts prevents accumulation of fat in the body, which is important for body weight regulation. In addition, carbohydrates play a major role in controlling biological processes such as determination of blood group and development of body organs (Berdanier et al, 2000). Fats have two principal functions in the body. They provide energy and protect the body against harm. Other minor functions of fats include body growth and development, and absorption of vitamins (Berdanier et al, 2000). In addition, they preserve cell membranes. In the past week, my diet included several major sources of macronutrients. Proteins included milk, cheese, eggs, and yoghurt. Carbohydrates included honey, oranges, bananas, peas, rice, and pasta. Fats include peanuts, avocados, olives, cakes, biscuits, and cashew nuts. The macronutrients were consumed in different quantities and at different times.

Role of government in determining people’s nutrition

The government should play a supportive role in influencing people’s dietary decisions. It should not play a central role because people should have freedom to make decisions based on their nutritional needs. The government should have limited involvement in people’s nutritional decisions. Its role should include educating people on good nutritional habits and implementing laws that encourage healthy lifestyles (Wheelock, 2005). For example, the government should be fully involved in educating people on ways to avoid conditions such as obesity, and ways to maintain healthy lifestyles. In addition, it should teach people about health benefits of physical exercise. The government should act as a source of information especially for young people who are prone to poor nutritional decisions (Wheelock, 2005). Moreover, it should ensure that people do not overindulge in activities such as excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking, which are detrimental to health. Many people like junk food that contains high-fat content. The government should enact policies that regulate amount of unhealthy foods that people consume because poor health increases costs of health care and reduces productivity (Wheelock, 2005). In addition, it reduces life expectancy. However, the government should give people freedom to choose what to eat. It is important to have specific nutritional standards for food production and consumption. Nutritional standards are important because they ensure that food producers provide healthy foods that do not compromise people’s health (Wheelock, 2005). On the other hand, consumption standards are important because nutrients should be consumed in right amounts. Many people are unaware of appropriate quantities of food to consume in order to maintain good health. Overconsumption or underconsumption of certain foods is harmful to health. Therefore, standards should be set to guide people and determine right amounts of food to consume in order to avoid compromising their health (Wheelock, 2005).

References

Berdanier, C., Gorny, J. R., Yousef, A. (2000). Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Wheelock, V. (2005). Implementing Dietary Guidelines for Health Eating. New York:Jonas & Bartlett Learning.

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